How to Get the Right Residency Michael G. Kavan, Ph.D. Associate Dean for Student Affairs Creighton University School of Medicine

Agenda  Match schedule  Timeline  Residency program evaluation  Application numbers  CV  Personal statement  Letters of recommendation  Roadmap to Residency

Match Schedule  Go to:

Timeline  In handout  Please make sure you look over the timeline periodically in order to be prepared for your M4 year and the match

Residency Program Evaluation Guide  A guide can be helpful in that it: Provides general guidelines in regards to what to look for in a residency program Provides a way to rate and compare residency programs Helps to organize the many interviews that you will participate in as you apply

How Many Programs Should I Apply To?  Based on several factors: Competitiveness of the specialty area Competitiveness of your application Location of programs you are seeking  Those students who typically do not match have either: Underestimated the competitiveness of the programs Overestimated the competitiveness of their application Applied to too few programs

Curriculum Vitae  A summary of your academically related career to date  Should include: Name/address/phone number/ – no SSN Education Honors/awards University service/community service Publications/presentations Research Employment Teaching Military Personal interests

Curriculum Vitae  This provides others with a first impression; so, make sure to: Be well organized  Use appropriate headings and subheadings  Reverse chronological order Neat Good paper (off white, cotton bond) of 8 ½ by 11 inches 12 font; although you can get by with 11 font (no funky fonts) Adequate margins and spacing – 1-1 ½ inches

Curriculum Vitae  Length As long as it has to be without fluff  Printing Laser printer  Proof read

Personal Statement  A one-page statement that includes information on: Explanation as to what got you interested in the specialty? What significant experiences (e.g., clinical, volunteer, research, etc.) solidified your decision? Strengths – in general and in relationship to your specialty – what makes you a good fit for this specialty? What are you looking for in a program? What do you see yourself doing in the future?

Personal Statement  Keep it to one page  Use proper margins  12 font  Avoid abbreviations and jargon  Use a spell checker, thesaurus, etc.  Have others help you – but not too many  Reading it aloud or having others read it aloud to you can be helpful  Don’t be too cute or funny

Letters of Recommendation  Typically will send four through ERAS  Usually from the Chair and three faculty At least two from specialty area you are pursuing Use clinical physicians unless you are attempting to get into a high-powered research program No residents or fellows  Set up a meeting with the writer Bring your CV and PS Treat it like an interview “Would you feel comfortable writing me a favorable letter of recommendation?” Give writer adequate time To waive or not to waive

MSPE  Will begin conducting MSPE (Dean’s Letter) interviews in June  Must have completed by September 15 th  Interview attire  CV and personal statement  AAMC rule states that the MSPE may not be released until November 1st

Roadmap to Residency: From Application to the Match and Beyond  Provides comprehensive information about the process of making application to GME programs in the U.S. Candidacy requirements Factors involved in specialty choice Possible criteria for residency selection The match process Program visits Potential application outcomes Transition issues  Available at: on=Product.displayForm&prd_id=183&prv_id=222 on=Product.displayForm&prd_id=183&prv_id=222